In a bold and emotional tribute to one of the NFL’s most iconic figures, Netflix has announced the upcoming release of “The Underdog,” a feature-length documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and legacy of Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton. The film is set to premiere worldwide on June 15, igniting excitement from sports fans, documentary lovers, and those who lived through the golden era of 1980s football.
Payton, who earned the nickname “Sweetness” for his graceful playing style and off-the-field kindness, is the subject of a documentary that has been in the works for nearly three years. Produced by Netflix in collaboration with NFL Films and directed by award-winning documentarian Ezra Edelman (O.J.: Made in America), “The Underdog” promises to offer the most comprehensive and intimate portrait of the man who, for many, defined an era of professional football.
“Walter Payton was more than just a football player,” said Edelman in a statement. “He was a cultural icon, a father, a teammate, a fierce competitor, and a man who quietly fought battles few ever saw. This documentary is our attempt to show all sides of Walter—the greatness and the grit, the success and the struggle.”
The Making of a Legend
Born in Columbia, Mississippi, in 1954, Walter Payton’s story is the epitome of the underdog narrative. From modest beginnings in the segregated South to becoming a star at Jackson State University, his rise to NFL greatness was far from guaranteed. Despite doubts about his size and the competition he faced in college, Payton was drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in 1975—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Payton went on to play 13 seasons with the Bears, setting an NFL record for career rushing yards (16,726) that stood for nearly two decades. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls, named the 1977 NFL MVP, and helped lead the Bears to a victory in Super Bowl XX. But “The Underdog” goes beyond the stats to reveal the man behind the helmet.
Unseen Footage, Unheard Stories
The documentary’s producers were granted unprecedented access to the Payton family archives, including never-before-seen home videos, private letters, training journals, and exclusive audio recordings. Interviews with former teammates like Mike Ditka, Jim McMahon, and Richard Dent provide firsthand insight into Payton’s work ethic, leadership, and often overlooked sense of humor.
One standout moment from the film features Payton joking with teammates during a brutal winter practice in 1985. “He could have been a comedian if he wasn’t a football player,” says McMahon in the film. “But when the whistle blew—no one was tougher.”
The documentary also features emotional interviews with Payton’s children, Jarrett and Brittney, who share candid stories about growing up in the shadow of greatness—and the challenges their father faced privately, particularly in his later years.
“There are parts of my dad’s story that people never got to hear,” said Jarrett Payton, himself a former football player. “This film is for the fans, yes—but it’s also for the man who carried so much on his shoulders and did it all with grace.”
A Human Story Beyond the Game
“The Underdog” does not shy away from the complexities of Payton’s life. The film explores the toll that fame and physical punishment took on his body and mind. In his final years, Payton battled a rare liver disease and bile duct cancer, ultimately passing away in 1999 at the age of just 45. The scenes covering his illness are handled with sensitivity, showing both his vulnerability and his courage.
Edelman’s direction ensures the documentary is not simply a highlight reel but a deeply human story. Using a mixture of narration, archival footage, and interviews, it paints a picture of Payton as a man who never stopped pushing—on the field, in business, and in life.
“We’re often told to be grateful for our heroes, but we rarely stop to understand them,” Edelman noted. “With The Underdog, we wanted to do more than celebrate Walter. We wanted to understand the man behind the myth.”
Cultural Legacy
Walter Payton’s impact went far beyond the football field. He was known for his extensive charity work, founding the Walter Payton Foundation to help underprivileged children. The NFL’s annual “Man of the Year” award now bears his name, given to players who excel both on and off the field.
In one particularly moving segment of the film, the documentary follows several modern-day NFL players who have won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Stars like J.J. Watt, Larry Fitzgerald, and Dak Prescott speak on how Payton’s legacy continues to inspire acts of service, leadership, and integrity across the league.
Critical Buzz and Early Reactions
Although the documentary hasn’t officially premiered yet, early screenings have already generated significant buzz in entertainment and sports media. Critics are hailing it as one of Netflix’s strongest original sports documentaries to date, drawing comparisons to The Last Dance and Quarterback.
Sports Illustrated’s preview called it “a stirring, reverent, and ultimately heart-wrenching tribute to one of the NFL’s true immortals,” while The Ringer described it as “a masterclass in emotional storytelling.”
Fans can expect more than just nostalgia. “The Underdog” is poised to challenge viewers to reconsider not only Payton’s legacy, but what it means to live with purpose and fight for something bigger than yourself.
Premiere Details
“The Underdog” will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting June 15, 2025. The streaming giant is planning a multi-platform rollout, including a live premiere event in Chicago attended by members of the 1985 Bears team, the Payton family, and NFL officials.
A limited theatrical release is also rumored to be in the works for major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, which could set the stage for the film to qualify for awards consideration later this year.
For longtime fans of Payton and those discovering his story for the first time, “The Underdog” is shaping up to be an essential watch—a poignant reminder of how greatness is often forged in silence, built on sacrifice, and fueled by love for the game, family, and community.